BEN KELLEY CLAIMS 2025 GNCC OVERALL

FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Ben Kelley has clinched his second-career Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series title, following his first in 2021. The 2025 Overall win came at the 13th and final round at Ironman Raceway, where he added to a stellar season that saw him secure the XC1 Open Pro Class (122cc & above) crown two rounds earlier after a hard-fought year.

This year featured a fascinating duel between Kelley and FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers’ Grant Davis, with Kelley and his KTM 350XC-F reigning supreme by just four points. The 29-year-old demonstrated both speed and consistency this year, having claimed two Overall wins – which came at the Camp Coker and Old Gray GNCCs – while a further four podium finishes contributed to his second title.

Ben Kelley: 
“I’m pumped! It’s been a long road with a lot of injuries between now and my first championship, and not many people are able to do it twice. It was an honor to battle with Grant all year – he and I were so close all season and it took me to ride at my absolute best to beat him. We had some inconsistencies, but in the end, I was the most consistent and put myself in a good position today off the start. I wanted the win, but I prioritized bringing it home safely in the end with the big picture in mind. It’s a long season, a lot goes into this, and a big thanks to the FMF KTM Factory Racing Team for all the support!”

FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers XC2 (122 – 250cc) and Aussie Gus Riordan posted a P3 ride at Ironman Raceway to finish the championship third in class, and fifth Overall after an impressive year of competition. Riordan and his KTM 250XC-F claimed the Round 6 victory in the XC2 Class, while adding a further 10 podium finishes to his series tally.

Gus Riordan: 
“The year started off pretty well for me, but these last four races I have been tough. Today was going well and I was in the battle, which has been the case all year, and I’d like to say congratulations to all the boys for putting in a strong season. We’ll head back to Australia now in December and take some time to regroup before firing up again for next year.”